The Delhi government's representation in the High Court that alcohol is not a fundamental right, levied a 70 per cent tax on special facilities

New delhi date. 28

Drinking or trading alcohol is not a fundamental right and the state has the right to control its sale, the Delhi Aam Aadmi Party government told the Delhi High Court. The Delhi government further said that 70 per cent special corona fees are being levied on the MRP of all brands of liquor as it is providing a special facility to the public.

A number of petitions were filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the Delhi government's May 4 notification to levy special corona fees on liquor MRP. Opposing the petitions, the Delhi government said there was an element of privilege in the case of sale of liquor and the government was free to impose such restrictions under the Excise Act.

An affidavit filed in the court by the Delhi government's Department of Excise in this regard states that the government may levy such fees under its prerogative. Special corona fees are also being charged for making this special facility available.

A further hearing of these petitions will be held on Friday. The Delhi government has further said that a citizen does not have the fundamental right to trade in liquor. The state government, on the other hand, has the right to control the liquor trade. The Delhi government further said that besides Delhi, ten other states have also imposed MRP special tax on liquor.